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Protect Your Horse During Winter

Winter is approaching, with fewer daylight hours, colder temperatures, and stormy weather.

Are you ready to protect your pets from the challenges of winter?

Every pet depends upon their owners to ensure their health, safety and wellness, especially during the winter!

Winter Poses Unique Challenges for Pet Wellness

Protect Your Cat in Winter By educating ourselves about the unique challenges of winter, including wet, stormy, and freezing weather, pet owners can effectively keep their pets comfortable and safe while also preventing illness – or worse – for their beloved animal companion.

“It’s important to remember that, despite their fur coats, pets can suffer from the cold just like we do. So, it’s up to us to make sure we provide the extra care they need during colder weather.” Nina Downing, Vet Nurse of the UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (or PDSA)

Unfortunately, our pets cannot vocalize how they are feeling, whether they are sick or even suffering (and most pets will try to hide sickness or pain). Keep reading about how to best protect your canine friend from the dangers of winter!

(Our next blog post, at the end of November, will cover protecting both felines and equines.)

The Rules of Winter: Dogs

Despite the appearance of an impressive winter coat on many dogs, they still get wet and chilled. All dogs should always have access to an inside shelter for warmth, safety, well-being, and protection.

NEVER Leave Dogs …

They should be kept in cars, in the backs of pickup trucks, or anywhere that is unheated to protect themselves from dangerous hypothermia.

Use Coats & Boots

Is your dog very young or old? Are they sick? Or do they have a very thin coat of hair?

- A well-fitted, waterproof coat can help protect dogs who are vulnerable.
- Properly fitted dog boots can also be helpful in protecting tender paws.

Maintain Regular Brushing

Maintain your dog’s regular brushing to help stimulate and distribute natural oils to combat your pet’s dry and itchy skin from winter’s cold and dry air.

Limit Time Outside

Dogs will still need daily walks but never keep them outside for long periods of time. Even the hardiest canine who loves the snow can Dog Paws Are Sensitive to Snow suffer negative effects from extended exposure to snow, ice and plummeting temperatures. It’s better to go out more often for shorter lengths of time. If your dog begins regularly lifting his paw(s), it’s time to go inside, warm up and check his paws.

After Being Outside

After coming inside, immediately:

- Towel-dry a wet dog (or cat).
- If they have longer hair, use a blow-dryer (on a LOW setting at a comfortable distance) to completely dry them.
- Carefully check their paws (especially between the toes) and remove any:
  - Frozen snow/ice
  - Commercial ice melt products
  - Salt
  - Grit or dirt

These can cause unwanted friction and subsequent pain for your dog. You also do not want your dog licking or ingesting any of the caustic items.

- Gently massage paws (and between the toes) with a pet-friendly and food-grade wax or balm to heal and protect cracked pads and irritated skin. (You can also use this in hot weather.) For additional protection, use it on cracked noses!

Protect Dogs Paws and Noses this Winter